Ahli assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri has underlined the importance of making a winning start in the CAF Champions League group phase. The defending champions, who are looking for an unprecedented third successive Champions League title, host Sudan's Hilal on Sunday in Group B opener. "Winning the first match at home is crucial because it will be a good starting point to go on and clinch the title," Al-Badri told the club's official website on Friday. Al-Badri insisted his side's opponents are not easy to overcome, given that they knocked-out Ahli's arch-rivals Zamalek in the competition's round of 32. "Hilal are a strong team. Their strongest lines are midfield and attack, however, their defense is weak," he added. Hilal Brazilian coach Ricardo was so confident his side would grab a win away from home, but Al-Badri remains calm ahead of the anticipating encounter. "We are used to these kinds of statements; our players have the sufficient experience to deal with it. We do always reply on the pitch," he said. Al-Badri has also called on Ahli fans to flood the Cairo International Stadium in order to support the Red Devils in their African campaign.
